Fiber or plastic based package, apparatus, method, program and system for wireless data communication by fiber or plastic based package

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The invention relates to a fiber or plastic based package. In addition, the invention relates to an apparatus for wireless data communication by a fiber or plastic based package. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method, and software for said method, for wireless data communication by a fiber or plastic based package. The invention additionally relates to a system for wireless data communication by a fiber or plastic based package.

BACKGROUND

Present fiber or plastic based (alternatively, fiber based, paper based etc.) packages intended for packaging goods or objects the use and storage of which need to be tracked, monitored or observed require human based or manual solutions to implement these things. Examples of such packages include e.g. medicine packages, food packages, various packages for goods and so on. The opening, use, storage, preservability, temperature, handling etc. of packages need to be monitored and observed so as to ensure the appropriate use and condition of the packaged goods. A problem with packages has been the reading, collecting or obtaining the information associated with the packages so that such information can be used and applied.

A known solution to the problem, brought about by Cypak, has been to use a special reader, or reader device. However, such a reader device has to be a highly specialized apparatus, suitable exclusively for a certain type of package suitable for the reader device. Therefore, there should exist at the reading site, such as a pharmacy or hospital, for example, a special reader device which is able to read the information on the package, say, instructions on a medicine package. It is a drawback that the reader device must be specially tailored and designed for the package in question. Another drawback of this known solution is that the package must include a transmitter (and possibly a receiver) implemented and designed in a fixed and integrated manner, capable of communicating information from the package to the reader device, which transmitter could be e.g. a special integrated transmitter or a rfid type transmitter reader loop or such. In addition, people, such as the personnel in a pharmacy or shop, need to learn to use the reader device.

In practice, a separate reader is a disadvantage for this known solution because, for example, the overall costs of the solution are very significant on the packaging scale, the reader device may get lost in which case a new one needs to be purchased, people need to learn to use the reader, the use of the reader is human based, i.e. manual, etc. All this requires expensive, complicated and/or difficult-to-use technology of both the package and the reader device proper.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide a more useful and advantageous package monitoring solution.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a fiber or plastic based package comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0007">an interface adapted to attach and connect, in a detachable manner, a module to a fiber or plastic based package, the module comprising a wireless transmitter, and the interface and package comprising conductors for transferring package data from the fiber or plastic based package to the module.</li></ul></li></ul>

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0009">a fiber or plastic based package,</li><li id="ul0004-0002" num="0010">a module,</li><li id="ul0004-0003" num="0011">a server, wherein:</li><li id="ul0004-0004" num="0012">an interface in the fiber or plastic based package is adapted to attach and connect, in a detachable manner, the module to the package, the module comprising a wireless transmitter, and the interface comprising conductors for transferring package data from the fiber or plastic based package to the module and further to the server through the wireless transmitter whereafter the data are received at the server.</li></ul></li></ul>

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method in which: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li id="ul0005-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0006" list-style="none"><li id="ul0006-0001" num="0014">data are received at an interface adapted to attach and connect, in a detachable manner, a module to a fiber or plastic based package, the module comprising a wireless transmitter, and the fiber or plastic based package comprising conductors for transferring package data,</li><li id="ul0006-0002" num="0015">the data obtained from the fiber or plastic based package are forwarded from the interface to the module.</li></ul></li></ul>

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a program comprising a software logic adapted for wireless data communication by a fiber or plastic based package, the program being adapted: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none"><li id="ul0007-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0008" list-style="none"><li id="ul0008-0001" num="0017">to receive data through an interface adapted to attach and connect, in a detachable manner, a module to a fiber or plastic based package, the module cornprising a wireless transmitter, and the fiber or plastic based package comprising conductors for transferring package data,</li><li id="ul0008-0002" num="0018">the data obtained from the fiber or plastic based package are forwarded from the interface to the module.</li></ul></li></ul>

The numerous alternative embodiments of the invention make it possible to monifor and control fiber or plastic based packages in a more advantageous manner. In addition, conductors implemented through printed electronics, e.g. in the package or interface, make possible an advantageous structure, and the detachably attached module communicates the data obtained from the conductors wirelessly to the system associated with the package data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous embodiments of the invention are described, in an exemplifying manner, as follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings where:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows in accordance with an embodiment of the invention an example of a fiber or plastic based package with a module which can be attached and connected to it in a detachable manner,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>, <b>2</b><i>b</i>, <b>2</b><i>c</i>, and <b>2</b><i>d </i>show some of the numerous examples of embodiments of the invention, where the module can be attached to the package in many different ways,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows, as an example, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows, as an example, an embodiment of the module,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows, as an example of the embodiments of the invention, conductors printed on the package,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a controller, MCU, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a </i>and <b>7</b><i>b </i>show the interface between the package and module in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows, as an example, an embodiment of the invention where the package may be larger or considerably larger than the module which can be detachably attached to it.

SOME EXAMPLES OF NUMEROUS OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Next, the invention will be described using some embodiments as examples. One exemplifying embodiment of the invention relates to a fiber or plastic based package and to the arrangement of wireless data communication of package data from the package. An embodiment of the invention makes possible the manufacture and use of fiber or plastic based packages for monitoring medicine intake, package opening, package tampering, food preservation, temperature etc. In one embodiment of the invention it is possible to use fiber or plastic with printed conductors (or wires), e.g. paperboard or plastic, resulting in a recyclable solution. The package comprises an interface adapted to attach and connect the module in a detachable manner to the fiber or plastic based package. The module comprises a wireless transmitter and the interface comprises conductors for transferring package data from the fiber or plastic based package to the module. The package includes at least one or more conductor units implemented through printed electronics or bonded onto the package for collecting or producing package data. This unit for the collection of package data may be e.g. a switch, selector, sensor or such. So, a wireless transmitter unit module can be connected and attached to the fiber or plastic based package in a detachable manner. The module receives the package data from the printed conductor unit. The module is configured so as to be wirelessly connected with a system receiver so that at least part of the package data can be transferred to the system receiver. So, the wireless transmitter unit module wirelessly transfers the package data or the information related to the contents of the package to the system. The module may also include other components representing conventional technology such as a memory, central processing unit or dedicated integrated circuits or such. In addition the module includes a power source such as a battery, for example. In one exemplifying embodiment the processor may be configured to control the power consumption of the module so that it consumes very little power and when necessary, e.g. upon receiving a command or trigger, activates the transmitter or memory of the module. This way, energy can be saved in the module.

One exemplifying embodiment of the invention comprises a package, such as a medicine, food or other package for which there exists a need to obtain information about the package and/or its contents. The package has a built-in docking station for the module. In such an embodiment there is no need for a separate connector or separate reader device. The package has a docking station or connector or transport station into which a module is connected which is designed for a wireless link such as a mobile link, for example. So, the docking station is in the package into which a relatively small mobile card module, say a GSM, GPRS, or 3G module, is connected. This way, a cost-effective structure can be achieved using printed conductors or printed electronics in the package. The conductors are printed direct on the package and they connect the docking station into package solutions implemented with printed electronics. In one exemplifying embodiment the conductors are printed on fiber or plastic. In another exemplifying embodiment, in addition to or independent of the above, the conductors are printed on the blister card, such as the aluminum foil of a medicine package. The conductors thus serve as carriers of information. The package may also be such that the fiber or plastic part contains the conductors whereby it serves as a support structure as well as a carrier of information by means of the conductors. Alternatively, the fiber or plastic portion without conductors serves as a support structure and the blister card serves as the carrier of information. In one exemplifying embodiment the conductors may be attached to the package, e.g. tape-like conductors of laminated aluminum attached to or built in the package.

In one exemplifying embodiment the package contains a Cypak chip from which data are transferred to the module through conductors implemented by means of printed electronics in the fiber or plastic based package. The module uses a mobile link to send the data to a server. This way the data can be sent to health care units and such from a medicine package, for instance. Alternatively, no Cypak chip is needed but the module is connected by means of printed conductors. In that case the package includes switches or the like implemented through printed electronics, communicating direct with the docking station and the module attached thereto.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows an exemplifying embodiment of a fiber or plastic based package <b>100</b> with a module <b>104</b> which can be attached and connected to it in a detachable manner. The fiber or plastic based package <b>100</b> comprises conductors <b>101</b> printed on paperboard, e.g. switches, wires, electronic parts or portions thereof etc., implemented by means of printed electronics or the like. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> the package <b>100</b> is shown detached from the module <b>104</b> which means the interface <b>102</b> is inactive and information, in the form of electric current or pulse, for example, is not being transferred between the package <b>100</b> and the module <b>104</b>. Advantageously the package <b>100</b> can be be detached from the module <b>104</b>, so the module <b>104</b> need not be a fixed or integrated part of the package <b>100</b>.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> the package <b>100</b> is attached to the module <b>104</b>. Thus the package <b>100</b> is connected with the module <b>104</b>. Now the information <b>106</b> can be communicated through the interface <b>102</b> from the package <b>100</b> to the module <b>104</b>. For example, the printed conductors <b>101</b> in the package <b>100</b> receive and forward the information <b>106</b>, in the form of electric current, for example, through the interface <b>102</b> to the module <b>104</b>. Alternatively, when the module <b>104</b> is connected and attached to the package <b>100</b>, the conductors <b>101</b> of the package load the information <b>106</b> into the module <b>104</b> through the interface <b>102</b>.

The module <b>104</b> can be attached to the package <b>100</b> in many different ways. Some examples are depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>, <b>2</b><i>b</i>, <b>2</b><i>c</i>, and <b>2</b><i>d </i>and the invention is not limited to these embodiments but they merely serve to illustrate the numerous applications of the invention. The package <b>100</b> can be connected to the module <b>104</b> using a direct docking connection as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>a</i>. The package <b>100</b> can be bent so as to form a docking station for the module <b>104</b>. In that case the package <b>100</b> especially supports and also mechanically attaches the module <b>104</b>. The package <b>100</b> can be inserted into the module <b>104</b> so that the package and/or module <b>104</b> support and dock each other. The module <b>104</b> can have a slot or notch into which the package <b>100</b> can be inserted and locked as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>c</i>. The package <b>100</b> may frame and connect with the module <b>104</b> through the interface <b>102</b>, as is illustrated in the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>d</i>. Additionally, some examples concerning the attachment and connection of the package <b>100</b> and module <b>104</b> are given in conjunction with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref> and/or <b>8</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a system where the module <b>104</b> connected to the package <b>100</b> transmits information <b>106</b> related to the package <b>100</b> wirelessly <b>201</b> to a server <b>200</b>. Information <b>106</b> is registered from the package <b>100</b> into the module <b>104</b>. The module <b>104</b> receives the information <b>106</b> from the package <b>100</b>. The module <b>104</b> establishes a wireless connection <b>201</b> with the server <b>200</b>. The wireless connection may be a GSM, GPRS or 3G connection or the like. The information is sent over the connection <b>201</b> to the server which receives the information. The information <b>100</b> from the package can thus be used by the system. Advantageously, the system employs standards with no need for a separate reader device but the module <b>104</b> can directly communicate with the server <b>200</b>. For example, a health care centre can thus receive information about medication taken by a patient, and time etc. Similarly, a shop's storage system can receive information about the transportation, temperature or condition of a package or some other relevant information related thereto.

A text message or similar wireless short message, such as a message according to the SMS technology, for instance, can be advantageously applied in one exemplifying embodiment of the invention to wirelessly <b>201</b> transmit the information <b>106</b> from the module <b>104</b> to the server <b>200</b>. In that case, advantageously, users, such as patients in one particular case, can be securely identified by means of a SIM card, on a per packet basis. So, SMS users can also be securely identified for the system. Advantageously, a SIM card can be used for secure authentication and identification.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a signal <b>201</b> sent from the module <b>104</b> is detected by a receiver in the server <b>200</b>. Alternatively, the server <b>200</b> may be referred to as a centre. In one embodiment, the server <b>200</b> is in part a router or a server centre or a computer or the like, for example. The receiver of the server is located near the module <b>104</b> so that a wireless connection can be used, e.g. the module could be within a coverage area of a mobile network. If a router is used, the signal <b>201</b> is relayed from the receiver to the router and further to a possible second router and so on until the signal reaches the server <b>200</b>.

In one embodiment of the invention the server <b>200</b> includes a receiver, and the server <b>200</b> may be a wireless terminal with the necessary reading and system equipment, or a fixed unit from which information is transferred through wires to a terminal or server in the centre. The signal received at the terminal is processed by software, and the information, such as the information concerning a medicine, for example, is automatically transferred to the relevant system, say, a health care or patient management system.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows, as an example, an embodiment of the module <b>104</b>. The module comprises a power supply <b>1042</b>, modem <b>1044</b>, and a controller MCU <b>1040</b>. The module <b>104</b> is encased so it can be carried and handled separately and independently of the package <b>100</b>. The modem <b>1044</b> in the module <b>104</b> may be configured for mobile communications, for example, such as GSM, GPRS, 3G etc. Advantageously, in one embodiment, the module <b>104</b> is a plastic encased module for a CE/EN approved GPRS data network, attachable to a customer's smart package <b>100</b>, such as a medicine package, for instance. In one example, a 4-frequency GPRS module can be used. Advantageously, to minimize power consumption in the module <b>104</b>, it is kept for most of the time switched off and activated by the MCU <b>1040</b> when needed. The MCU <b>1040</b> may be an 8-bit unit, for example. The MCU <b>1040</b> is connected to the package <b>100</b> through the interface <b>102</b>. The MCU <b>1040</b> receives from the package <b>100</b> the information <b>106</b> which controls the operation of the MCU <b>1040</b>. In one exemplifying embodiment, the MCU <b>1040</b> recognizes an intake of pills from a medicine package, which information is received via the printed conductors <b>101</b> of the package <b>100</b>, and a pressing of push-buttons on the package, for instance. Based on the information <b>106</b> the MCU controls e.g. the following things: power management, battery, real time, reminders, alarms and data transmissions in the module <b>104</b> and so on. So, it is possible that the package <b>100</b> no longer contains any active electronics but only the printed conductors <b>101</b>. For example, in the example case of a medicine package, part of a push-button set and pill push-through detection. For the detection of 36 push-buttons (or the push-through of 36 pills) the package <b>100</b> has 12 or 10 output lines, for instance. In this example, the module <b>104</b> can monitor the intake of pills during a day, and the software in the MCU <b>1040</b> gives a rough time of day for the pill intake, e.g. the hour when the pill was taken. Advantageously, to save power and costs, the MCU <b>1040</b> electronics need not include an accurate real time clock but the time is synchronized when the connection is established by the modem <b>1044</b>, and time is counted using only the inexpensive internal oscillator of the MCU <b>1040</b>. This way, the clock in the module <b>104</b> is made accurate enough.

Still referring to the example depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the module <b>104</b> includes a power supply <b>1042</b> such as a lithium-ion battery, for instance, which supplies power to the module <b>104</b>. The power consumption of the module <b>104</b> is controlled by an 8-bit MCU <b>1040</b>. For the most part of the time, the MCU <b>1040</b> keeps the mobile module <b>1044</b> switched off. Connection is made only once or twice a day, for example. At that point the MCU <b>1040</b> is triggered and, consequently, the MCU <b>1040</b> sends out a command to activate the modem <b>1044</b>. During the active connection the power consumption is high, on the order of 200-400 mA, for example. It could also be 100 mA, if the connection time is suitable. This saves energy in the power supply <b>1042</b>.

Thus, the connection could be established once per day, for example. Naturally, other cycles are possible as well, and the invention is not limited to the example described here. So, the connection can be used sparsely, e.g. once a day, and/or the duration of the connection can be made as short as necessary. In addition, the field strength and capacity of the mobile network can be taken into account.

The MCU <b>1040</b> of the module <b>104</b> collects the information <b>106</b> obtained from the conductor <b>101</b> of the package <b>100</b>. For example, the MCU <b>1040</b> may collect event data about pill intake as well as read possible push-button presses. This is done by waking up the MCU <b>1040</b> from a sleep mode by means of an interrupt. When the conductor <b>101</b> receives an input, such as an impulse, for instance, it is relayed to the MCU. Otherwise the MCU <b>1040</b> is in a sleep mode, consuming very little power. Alternatively, the MCU <b>1040</b> is configured to control the conductors <b>101</b> also in the sleep mode. The MCU <b>1040</b> may also be configured to maintain a rough real time. Intake of pills can be reported on the basis of this, for example. If needed, the time can be reset when the connection to the server <b>200</b> is established. This way, even an inaccurate clock will keep time reasonably well.

In one embodiment, the module <b>104</b> is configured to pack the information to be sent into a small file for transmission. At connection time, the module <b>104</b> uses the modem <b>1044</b> to connect, through a mobile network, with the server <b>200</b> to which the file is to be sent. The time of the clock in the module <b>104</b> can be updated from the server <b>200</b> at the same time.

The module <b>104</b> includes the electronics needed for the package <b>100</b> and a battery <b>1042</b> which supplies electricity to the module <b>104</b>. The module <b>104</b> is connected directly to the conductors <b>101</b> printed on the package using the interface <b>102</b>. Advantageously, when the package <b>100</b> becomes empty, the module <b>104</b> can be moved to another package <b>100</b>′. The module <b>104</b> is thus recyclable, reusable and environment-friendly.

In some exemplifying embodiments, the battery <b>1042</b> in the module <b>104</b> may have a life as follows:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="98pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Battery capacity mAh</entry><entry>Life, days</entry><entry>Life, months</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="98pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="char" char="." /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry> 750 mAh</entry><entry>110</entry><entry>3.5</entry></row><row><entry>1000 mAh</entry><entry>150</entry><entry>5</entry></row><row><entry>1200 mAh</entry><entry>175</entry><entry>5.7</entry></row><row><entry>1500 mAh</entry><entry>220</entry><entry>7</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

In these examples, the life of the battery <b>1042</b> is configured using a connection time of one minute per day, for instance. The values given above do not limit the invention, nor are they mandatory values but, instead, they may vary as functions of connection time, power consumption, connection interval and so on.

In one exemplifying embodiment, the modem <b>1044</b> comprises a 4-band modem (850/900/1800/1900). The module <b>104</b> further comprises a case by means of which it can be attached to the package <b>100</b>. The module <b>104</b> additionally comprises a battery <b>1042</b>, charging and shielding circuits, RF antenna, eventual loudspeaker (audio), and a SIM card connector. The physical size of the module <b>104</b> may be 33 mm×33 mm×3.3 mm, for example. Naturally, other sizes are possible and the invention is not in any way limited to these dimensions. The size of the case may be 60 mm×40 mm×8 mm or 60 mm×40 mm×4 mm, for example, depending on the battery <b>1042</b>.

In one exemplifying embodiment, the capacity of the battery <b>1042</b> is 1500 mAh, if data transmission requirements from the package <b>100</b> to the server <b>200</b> are high. Naturally, the capacity of the battery <b>1042</b> may vary in accordance with different applications of the package <b>100</b>. For example, if the battery <b>1042</b> supplies power also to the package <b>100</b> and the module has an MCU <b>1042</b> controlling the power need, power can be significantly saved and the capacity of the battery <b>1042</b> can be downgraded to 750 mAh or less. This way, a battery life of more than a year can be achieved, if necessary. The capacity of the battery <b>1042</b> is not a limitation necessary for the invention, but it can vary in accordance with different applications. Advantageously, the MCU <b>1040</b> is configured to control the operation of the module <b>104</b> and package <b>100</b> so as to save energy.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows, as an example of the application of the invention, conductors <b>101</b> printed on the package <b>100</b>. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the conductors <b>101</b> are implemented on the package <b>100</b> using print-based technology. The conductors <b>101</b> comprise, for example, 32 push-buttons or switches printed on the package <b>100</b>. These may have the states ‘open’ or ‘closed’ or the like. From the push-buttons or switches data are read through a serial bus from the package <b>100</b> to the modem <b>1044</b> in the module <b>104</b>, from where they are sent to a server <b>200</b>. The MCU <b>1040</b> can identify the switch or push-button used, as well as the time of use. For example, the connection may be established twice a day. The transmission may include the time of use and the tag ID of the switch/push-button in question. This identifies for the server <b>200</b> the event that took place in the package <b>100</b>. Advantageously, also the SIM card can be identified this way.

In one example, the amount of data to be transmitted may be about 16 kb/transmission. Thus, temperature data may also be transmitted to the server <b>200</b>. This way, in one exemplifying embodiment, a standby and operation time of at least 4 to 5 weeks, approximately, can be achieved for the module <b>104</b> for each charge.

Still referring to the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the conductors <b>101</b> form a resistive switch matrix. Alternatively, there may be direct conductors <b>101</b> for the push-through switches. In one additional application, the module <b>104</b> may include a beeper for sounding off an alarm e.g. when no information <b>106</b> has been received from the conductors <b>101</b> within a period of time because, for instance, the patient forgot to take the pill. Advantageously, the conductors <b>101</b> may be cost-effectively printed on the package <b>100</b>. The values for the electricity used in the conductors <b>101</b> may be on the order of 3V and 40-80 uA, for example. Furthermore, the voltage may advantageously be dropped, e.g. to 1.5V.

Still referring to the exemplifying embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the drawing shows an attachment point <b>102</b> of the circuit board and the locations of switches <b>1010</b> and <b>1010</b>′. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a location <b>1010</b> of a push-button or switch or the like. Switch <b>1010</b> is a switch in the off state, and switch <b>1010</b>′ is a switch in the on state. Thus, information can be collected from the applications of the package <b>100</b> and the information <b>106</b> can be sent on for analysis.

The package <b>100</b> and conductors <b>101</b> can be implemented on a paperboard substrate where the necessary wires, switches, sensors and push-buttons <b>1010</b>, <b>1010</b>′ are produced by means of printing or similar techniques. The operation of the switches and push-buttons may be based on touch, capacitive coupling, piezoelectricity or some other corresponding method.

In one exemplifying embodiment, the conductors <b>101</b> are printed on the package using technology according to WO2009/135985. In one exemplifying embodiment, the conductors <b>101</b> of the paperboard package are implemented using an electric pattern on the paperboard. Or, more generally, in another exemplifying embodiment, using a pattern in general, or patterned onto paperboard.

Still referring to the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in one exemplifying embodiment the conductors <b>101</b> are attached to the package, e.g. tape-like conductors of laminated aluminum attached to or built in the package <b>100</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a controller, MCU, <b>1040</b> in accordance with an exemplifying embodiment. Alternatively, reference can be made to a controller <b>1040</b>. The MCU <b>1040</b> is configured to be a relatively low-power unit for low-power applications where the power consumption is about 150 uA/3V/1 MHz clock, for example. In one exemplifying embodiment, the power consumption of the MCU <b>1040</b> in the sleep mode is adapted to be about 10 to 50 uA. However, the invention is not limited to this value for the MCU but the value may vary. For example, the MCU <b>1040</b> is a relatively low-power unit and suitable for low-power applications. The reading of conductors <b>101</b> is configured by means of an ADC or, alternatively, through I/O pins. The MCU <b>1040</b> has a calibrated RC oscillator, so the processor need not necessarily be a crystal-based one. The MCU <b>1040</b> comprises an 8-bit risc core processor or the like, which means there are enough channels for connecting the conductor <b>101</b> to the processor and MCU <b>1040</b>. Also, the MCU <b>1040</b> can be implemented at fairly low manufacturing costs. The interface between the MCU <b>1040</b> and the modem <b>1044</b> is through UART or SPI, directing the serial communications to the modem <b>1044</b>. Instead of the UART and SPI, other similar ones may be used. As the MCU <b>1040</b> is arranged to be programmable, many functions and logic operations can be implemented for the communication and logic between the conductors <b>101</b> and modem <b>1044</b>. The MCU <b>1040</b> may thus comprise additional functions, and those can be additionally programmed therein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a </i>and <b>7</b><i>b </i>depict the interface <b>102</b> between the package <b>100</b> and module <b>104</b> in accordance with one exemplifying embodiment of the invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a </i>shows the contact area of the interface <b>102</b>. The interface <b>102</b> comprises electrically conductive contact points <b>1020</b> (circles in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a</i>). The contact points <b>1020</b> may be bumps, hollows or flat surfaces. Instead of circles, other shapes are applicable as well. A contact point <b>1020</b> may have diameter of about 2 mm, for example. The contact points <b>1020</b> may be spaced apart by 2 mm, for example. Hollows for bumps could be about 4×2 mm, for example, corresponding to the bump size. One example of the physical size of the interface <b>102</b> is 30-40 mm×40-45 mm. These values are only to illustrate one exemplifying embodiment. One has to understand that the values can be modified and adapted for the various applications and that the invention is not limited to these values.

The interface <b>102</b>, and hence the package <b>100</b> and module <b>102</b> can be detached by pulling them apart from each other. The interface <b>102</b> may be reinforced by means of attachment elements <b>1021</b> so that the interface <b>102</b> will come off by tearing if the edges are thin enough. Tearing is not necessarily needed. Can also be removed with a suitable tool.

The package <b>100</b> and module <b>104</b> may become attached to each other in such a manner that when one is inserted inside the other, the mechanical dimensions will result in attachment. In addition or alternatively, the inner surface of the slot may have a flexible bottom which exerts pressure against the pieces so that the contact points <b>1020</b> make contact and the package <b>100</b> becomes connected with the module <b>104</b>. A spring <b>700</b> or rubber, for instance, could be used as an auxiliary force.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows, as an example, an embodiment of the invention where the package <b>100</b> may be larger or considerably larger than the module <b>104</b> which can be detachably attached to it. Thus, larger amounts of goods and objects in the package <b>100</b> can be controlled by the module <b>104</b> in accordance with the numerous exemplifying embodiments of the invention.

It should be noted that the various embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with fiber or plastic based packages. In some exemplifying embodiments, the fiber or plastic based packaging material comprises paperboard. Alternatively, the fiber or plastic based packaging material may also comprise paper or the like, for instance. As an alternative to fiber in one embodiment of the invention it is possible to use plastic, polymer films or the like. It should be noted that in conjunction with the exemplifying embodiments of the invention, fiber or plastic may also refer to at least those mentioned above and their equivalents. Therefore, the substrate <b>100</b> may be almost any insulating and plane-like blank, fiber, fiber-like mesh, textile, wallpaper, coating, biomaterial, ceramic substrate, glass etc. The substrate <b>100</b> may be coated or uncoated, and it may be based on wood or not based on wood. Each substrate has its own advantages and drawbacks which are taken into account in the package used. As for temperatures, the substrate may be e.g. such that it can tolerate temperatures of 200° C., especially below 250° C. or, advantageously, below 300° C. regarding the melting point or the plasticity of the material.

Furthermore it should be noted that, in addition to health care applications, the numerous embodiments of the invention can also be used in other service subscription applications as well. A medicine package and its monitoring and data collection is just one application of the invention. The invention is applicable to the collection of package data in general, for instance. Various time stamps of packages can be read. Temperatures of packages can be monitored. Acceleration of packages can be monitored etc.

Repercussions and scope of Invention

There are many details in the description above, but those details are only to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that many details can be combined in numerous ways in one or more applications of the invention. So, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be done on the equipment without departing from the characteristics or spirit of the invention.